UN Volunteer - Supply Chain Management

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the directing and coordinating authority for health work of an international character within the United Nations system. Established in 1948, WHO is responsible for leading global health action, setting health research agendas, establishing standards and benchmarks, presenting evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries, and monitoring and assessing trends in public health. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, emphasizing that health is a shared responsibility requiring equitable access to essential care and collective defense against transnational threats.

Job Overview:
The position of UN Volunteer in Supply Chain Management is crucial for the Operations Support and Logistics (OSL) Supply Chain Unit within WHO. The incumbent will be responsible for the reception, stock management, and cargo preparation of essential commodities that are prepositioned at the emergency hub, ready to be shipped to countries responding to emergencies. This role requires the incumbent to be prepared for deployment to emergency operations as needed. The position involves close collaboration with various stakeholders, including procurement officers, customs clearance officers, freight forwarders, and teams in AFRO country offices, ensuring that supplies and equipment are managed effectively to support WHO response teams across member states.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the reception and distribution/delivery of international and national shipments; monitor and assess the quality, quantity, and safety of received goods; oversee clearance and proper storage of goods, and initiate duty exemption requests.
• Schedule and monitor deliveries by suppliers, clearing agents, and the organization's warehouses.
• Establish and maintain regular contacts with clearing and forwarding agents, customs, UN Agencies, NGOs, and Government authorities.
• Follow up and ensure that goods are promptly delivered to the right recipients and that appropriate receipts are received.
• Monitor ongoing shipments, pipeline information, insurance claims, and other data; brief supervisors of any unforeseen problems pertaining to discharge, clearing operations, deliveries, etc., and recommend solutions or corrective actions.
• Regularly update the WHO systems (GIMS/WMS) and prepare monthly and ad hoc reports on regional hub warehousing activities, including inventories and movement of stocks, office consumables, and office equipment.
• Prepare monthly inventory reports with indicative analysis giving root causes of discrepancies (if any).
• Maintain an up-to-date record of all fixed assets and attractive items.
• Generate annual fixed assets movement cards based on the WHO e-manual. 1
• Provide logistics support for upcoming logistics requirements as may be required. 1
• Support the management of the office premises and furniture and arrange repair/maintenance when required. 1
• Perform other related duties as required or instructed, including providing support to other areas of work.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure. Proficiency in logistics and supply chain management principles is essential. The candidate should also demonstrate effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. A strong understanding of WHO's operational procedures and familiarity with emergency response logistics would be advantageous.

Educational Background:
A degree in logistics, supply chain management, business administration, or a related field is required. Additional certifications in logistics or supply chain management would be beneficial and enhance the candidate's qualifications for this role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in logistics, supply chain management, or a related field. Experience working in humanitarian settings or with international organizations is highly desirable. The ability to adapt to changing environments and manage multiple tasks simultaneously is crucial for success in this position.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while knowledge of French is highly desirable due to the operational context in Senegal. Additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly those relevant to the regions served by WHO.

Additional Notes:
This position is a volunteer role under the UN system, and it may involve working in challenging conditions that require flexibility and resilience. The incumbent should be prepared for a commitment that may involve physical hardship and limited comfort. The role is full-time, and while specific contract duration details are not provided, it is expected to align with the needs of emergency operations.